Save money May 25-26 on hurricane supplies

Published: Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:20 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:20 p.m.

You can save money on flashlights, batteries, generators and other emergency supplies during the state’s annual tax holiday on hurricane supplies May 25 and 26.

The program exempts eligible items from the 4 percent state sales tax. The exemption applies to the first $1,500 of the purchase price of each item.

“We encourage everyone to get prepared now,” Louisiana Department of Revenue Executive Counsel Tim Barfield said in a news release. “This is a chance to save money while helping to keep your family safe and comfortable during and after a hurricane. Don’t wait until there’s a storm coming, or until one has struck.”

<p>You can save money on flashlights, batteries, generators and other emergency supplies during the state's annual tax holiday on hurricane supplies May 25 and 26.</p><p>The program exempts eligible items from the 4 percent state sales tax. The exemption applies to the first $1,500 of the purchase price of each item.</p><p>“We encourage everyone to get prepared now,” Louisiana Department of Revenue Executive Counsel Tim Barfield said in a news release. “This is a chance to save money while helping to keep your family safe and comfortable during and after a hurricane. Don't wait until there's a storm coming, or until one has struck.”</p><p>Eligible purchases include:</p><p>-- Self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles.</p><p>-- Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios.</p><p>-- Tarps, ground anchor systems, straps or tie-down kits.</p><p>-- Gas or diesel fuel tanks.</p><p>-- Batteries, sizes AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt or 9-volt. Automobile batteries and boat batteries are ineligible.</p><p>-- Cellphone batteries and chargers.</p><p>-- Non-electric food storage coolers.</p><p>-- Portable power generators.</p><p>-- Storm shutters and related materials.</p><p>-- Carbon-monoxide detectors.</p><p>-- Blue Ice and similar re-usable cooling products.</p><p>The exemption applies only to the 4 percent state sales tax; local taxes still apply.</p><p>Hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30. Meteorologists predict an active season with 18 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes.</p><p>Information about the sales tax holiday is available online at revenue.louisiana.gov.</p>